The Falklands

Press, 5 June 1982, Page 14

The Falklands

Sir.—Some while ago at the beginning of this conflict I read a suggestion that the Falkland Islands Should be made an Anglo-Argentine con-dominiun. By means of such a settlement both countries could have sovereignty over the islands and jointly develop the off-shore oil and other resources when the appropriate time comes. The Falkland Islanders could be given their- own legislative assembly with full powers to restrict" immigration so that they are not swamped by new arrivals. This situation works well in the Channel Islands of Jersey. Guernsey. Alderney and Sark ’ which are not British colonies, nor are they subject

to the Parliament in Westminster, begin fiefs of the Crown. Given the same status the P’alkland Islanders would no longer be colonial subjects and it is to be hoped that reconciliation with the Argentinians would ensue when there is a freely elected government in Argentina.—Yours, etc., H. F. NEWMAN. June 3, 1982.

Sir,—Have Britons ever been anything but brave and dashing? Our news appears to portray them as an honourable bunch whose warfare etiquette is garnished with a frightfully “cricket-like" flavour. I suggest honour is currently more in keeping with the crusade of Pope John Paul. British tradition .seems conducive to glorification in war. In the 1600 s Oliver Cromwell’s plundering armies “settled" Ireland;' presumably that was also honourable. Anyway Cromwell’s government’collapsed. Irish hopes rose but were quickly dashed. The Protestant English who returned Charles II restored a mere fifth of the Irish land. Jonathan Swift was moved to say "the Cromwellians gained by rebellion what the Catholics lost by loyalty.” There’ll always be counter arguments about this and that. For my part I am relieved that Pope John Paul will have already forgiven Oliver Cromwell and lan Paisley. And should she need it,, would readily accord Mrs Thatcher the same service. — Yours, etc.. JOHN DUNNE. June 4, 1982.